East Sussex politicians pay tribute to MP Jo Cox

Amber Rudd has paid tribute to an ‘exceptional MP’ following the death of Jo Cox yesterday (June 16).

The Labour MP for Batley and Spen, in West Yorkshire, died after reportedly being shot and stabbed in her constituency.

The death of the 41-year-old mother-of-two has rocked the world of politics and local MPs were quick to pay tribute to their colleague.

Amber Rudd, MP for Hastings and Rye, took to Twitter to say: “Seeing her across the floor of the House, her fearless certainly always drew attention and admiration. An exceptional MP. A huge loss.”

Lewes MP Maria Caulfield also posted on social media. She said: “Just absolutely devastated at news that Jo has died. Her poor family. My prayers are with them.”

Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, cancelled a surgery in Crowborough today (Friday, June 17) in light of the events.

She posted a tribute to Jo Cox on Facebook. It said: “I am truly heartbroken by the death of my parliamentary colleague, Jo Cox.

“MPs across the House were affected by her commitment to her constituents, to humanity and to the causes she believed in, and were touched and awed by the heartfelt and determined way in which she fought for her principles during her all too short time as an MP.

“Whenever I met her, it was clear to me that she was a dignified, compassionate and caring woman who will be a huge loss to her community and to politics.

“In her maiden speech, just last June, she said of her constituency: ‘While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us’.

“Her constituency of Batley and Spen, the political world and the whole country are united this evening in shock and sadness at her loss. All of my thoughts are with her husband Brendan, with their two children, and with Jo’s friends, colleagues, staff and constituents. Today is the saddest of days.”

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